Good morning, South Bend.

Mayor James Mueller held a ceremony Tuesday afternoon when Friendship Park was renamed in honor of late community leader Bernice Freeman—who dedicated her life to empowering residents and serving the community.

The park was renamed on her 83rd birthday and the event was attended by her son and two daughters.

Armor Physical Therapy opened its new clinic at 2525 Niles Ave in St. Joseph where patients can book same and next-day appointments for sports and orthopedic care.

Veterans can visit the free Military Veteran Stand Down at Ox Bow Park (11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 21) and must bring DD214, Military ID and VA Health Care Card to access local services.

Today as summer heats up, South Bend area parks offer free splash pads for families to cool off.

The splash pads are at sites including Coquillard, Fremont, Howard, LaSalle, O'Brien, Potawatomi, Pulaski, and Southeast in South Bend plus Battell, Crawford, Central, Mary Gibbard, Rose, and Twin Branch in Mishawaka, Memorial Park in New Carlisle, Town Park in North Liberty, and Scarborough Park in Walkerton + note that Scarborough Park is currently marked closed and LaSalle Park closes at 9 p.m. while others close at 10 p.m.

South Bend Police said that the St. Joseph County Prosecutor will not file charges against a juvenile involved in a deadly shooting at Logan Quick Mart on South Logan Street on May 21—self defense could not be disproven after 56-year-old Jerry Barnette died at the scene and the juvenile was treated for a gunshot wound at a Mishawaka home.

Indiana State Trooper Andrew Kocsis, 39, is on administrative leave without pay after a theft investigation began last October in St. Joseph County when a victim came forward and he now faces charges of theft—obstruction of justice and fraud.

A St. Joseph County Jail inmate attacked his public defender during Edward Randolph's court appearance on Friday—officers tased him after he threatened to kill the defender and he now faces additional charges for battery and intimidation.

St. Joseph County Police warned on June 13 that a caller posing as Officer Steven Metcalfe asked residents to pay $8,000 to avoid legal trouble, and they stressed that real legal notices come by official mail — residents should hang up on such calls.

On June 11, the Mishawaka schools board renewed Superintendent Theodore Stevens' contract; he has led the district since 2022.

The five-year deal runs from July 1 to June 30 with a 2025-26 salary of $180,000—plus annual raises and performance bonuses.

Go Electric Vehicle Indiana & Drive Clean Indiana are stopping in South Bend today as part of a multi-stop roadshow to promote public funding for level 2 & DC fast charging stations.

The tour has made six stops and will continue to Lafayette & Hammond.

The intersection at Ironwood and Ireland in South Bend has been closed since Tuesday for the final construction phase that restricts all movements to right turns only—northbound drivers detour east on Ireland Road then north on Bremen Highway before turning west on Lincoln Way East while southbound drivers detour west on Ireland Drive then south on Miami Street before turning east on Jackson Road. Crews will pave the final asphalt layer at night as part of upgrades that began in March.

Elkhart Jazz Festival Featuring Diana Krall

8 AM – 5 PM — The Lerner Theatre — Individual tickets from $34 — Experience a weekend of captivating jazz performances with headliner Diana Krall kicking off the festival.

Midwest Twilight Imperium Championship

9 AM – 10 PM — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel South Bend — Free parking — Compete for galactic glory in the highly anticipated second annual Twilight Imperium tournament.

Open House at Stunning Renovated American Foursquare

2-4 p.m. — 320 Howard St, South Bend, IN — Free entry — Explore a beautifully renovated home with modern amenities close to downtown and a major university.

Softball Summer Day Camp I - Play Like the Irish

9-11 a.m. — Melissa Cook Stadium — Open to all registrants — Enhance pitching and catching skills with specialized drills and mechanics training.

Bash Softball Showcase Camp

All day — South Bend, Indiana — Registration required — Aiming to connect high school athletes with college coaches through tailored showcases.

The Happy Campers Band at Bloomin' Fest

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Blooming Bus Farms — Benefit event — Enjoy live music from local bands and support a good cause with food and drink vendors.

Open House at Berkley Square Condo

2-4 p.m. — 1009 Berkley Cir, Mishawaka, IN — $145,000 — Explore a charming two-bedroom condo featuring fresh flooring and low-maintenance living.

Teen Anime Club

4:30-6 p.m. — Elkhart Public Library - Downtown — Free entry — Enjoy anime, manga, snacks, and crafts with fellow fans.

South Bend Women's Small Group Meeting

6:45-7:30 a.m. — South Bend, Indiana — Free entry — Connect with local women for discussion and community support.

Vibes Music Festival

5 PM – 2 AM — Howard Park's Event Lawn — Children 12 & under free — Celebrate culture and talent with music, food, and local vendors.